William A. Lewis (born in Brooklyn, New York), most famously known by his stage name Spliff Star, is an American rapper and hypeman. He is best known for his long-standing professional association with fellow rapper Busta Rhymes and as a prominent member of the hip-hop collective Flipmode Squad.
Early Life and Career
Spliff Star, born William A. Lewis, grew up in Brooklyn, New York. His exact origins in the music industry are often intertwined with his connection to Busta Rhymes. The two artists developed a strong working relationship early in their careers, which evolved into a partnership that has spanned decades.Flipmode Squad
Spliff Star is a core member of the Flipmode Squad, a hip-hop collective founded by Busta Rhymes in the mid-1990s. The group initially included Rampage the Last Boy Scout, Lord Have Mercy, Rah Digga, and Baby Sham, alongside Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star. Within the Flipmode Squad, Spliff Star served as a consistent presence, contributing verses, ad-libs, and hypeman duties to various group projects and Busta Rhymes' solo albums. His energetic stage presence and distinctive voice became a recognizable feature of Flipmode's sound.Collaboration with Busta Rhymes
Spliff Star's most prominent role has been as a frequent and integral collaborator with Busta Rhymes. He has appeared on nearly all of Busta Rhymes' studio albums since the mid-1990s, often providing memorable ad-libs, backing vocals, and featured verses on tracks. His contributions are not limited to studio recordings; he is also a fixture in Busta Rhymes' live performances, acting as a dynamic hypeman and engaging the audience. This consistent partnership has solidified his reputation within the hip-hop community as an essential part of the Busta Rhymes musical experience.Musical Style and Influence
Spliff Star is known for his assertive delivery, often complementing Busta Rhymes' rapid-fire flow with his own distinct lyrical style. As a hypeman, his role extends beyond just rapping; he is crucial in generating crowd energy and maintaining the intensity of a performance. While he has released some independent music, his primary influence stems from his work within the Flipmode Squad and his extensive collaboration with Busta Rhymes, helping to shape the sound and energy of many iconic hip-hop records.Selected Discography
Spliff Star has contributed to numerous albums, primarily those of Busta Rhymes and the Flipmode Squad. Notable appearances include:- ''When Disaster Strikes...'' (1997) - Busta Rhymes
- ''E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front'' (1998) - Busta Rhymes
- ''Anarchy'' (2000) - Busta Rhymes
- ''The Imperial'' (2000) - Flipmode Squad
- ''It Ain't Safe No More...'' (2002) - Busta Rhymes
- ''The Big Bang'' (2006) - Busta Rhymes
- ''Back on My B.S.'' (2009) - Busta Rhymes
- ''Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God'' (2020) - Busta Rhymes